Bird Flu Outbreak in U.S. Dairy Cows

SOURCE apnews.com
A bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cows has affected more than two dozen herds in eight states, but the risk to the public remains low and the food supply is safe. The virus has been found in cattle for the first time, likely transmitted by wild birds. Health officials stress that properly cooked food is safe and there's no evidence of human transmission through pasteurized products.

Key Points

  • Bird flu detected in over 26 dairy herds across eight states
  • Transmission likely from exposure to wild birds
  • No evidence of human transmission through properly cooked food

Pros

  • Health officials emphasize that the risk to the public is low
  • The U.S. food supply remains safe and stable
  • Cows infected with bird flu appear to recover within two weeks

Cons

  • Millions of wild birds have been killed by the H5N1 virus
  • There is uncertainty about the transmission of the virus through unpasteurized/raw milk products